Problem networking XP with Win2K

We have a desktop running XP Pro and a laptop on Win2K. We have had them running a network quite happily in the past, until a reinstall was necessary on the desktop. Since then, we have been unable to get them to talk to each other.

The network is wired and runs on an ntl cable modem and a Netgear router.

We can share the internet connection happily, but XP will not see Win2K, tho Win2K sees XP.

When trying to view workgroup computers from the pc, I get the message: Workgroup is not accessible. You might not have permission to access etc etc... and: The network path was not found.

I should explain that we are both logged in as Administrator, with the same password on each system. I have run the network wizard many times, and even installed NETBEUI, just in case this helps.

Out of interest, we installed XP on the laptop (the owner hates xp...) and we had exactly the same problem.

XP's *coughs* firewall is disabled. We both run Sygate Pro, and that is not asking permission to send a packet or anything similar.

Any help would really be appreciated, since I am about to go bald through pulling out my hair!

There's so many variables with network shares, its hard to troubleshoot without actually being there. You're being denied workgroup access and there's a computer with Windows 2000, which I think might be a good hint as what is going on. So here's my suggestion... You can try it and if it works, great. If not, then we'll keep hitting it.

First one - Disable your firewall or any applications you think may limit connecting to your computer.

Check this on both computers, but I'm particularly interested in your checking this on your Windows 2000 computer. Reboot all computers on the network afterwards. Once they all reboot, try to browse your network again.

Remember: Don't forget to disable your firewall or any applications you think may limit connecting to your computer once you reboot. This applies to all computers you are trying to connect to/from.

I (pc) can now see the pc and the laptop (win2k) for the first time, but am still unable to access the laptop and am getting the same error messages as I was originally. The laptop can see itself, but not the pc.

So: some progress!

Any further thoughts, much appreciated, and thanks for all your help so far

1.) Workgroup or domain - Are they the same?
2.) Subnet Mask - Is it the same for both PCs? (DHCP should be correct).
3.) Client for Microsoft Networks - Is it installed and enabled?
4.) NetBIOS and possibly NetBEUI - Are they installed & enabled?
5.) Firewall software - Is it disabled or set to allow network connections?

If the answer is yes to all of the questions, it should really work for you. If isn't working, then you probably have an issue that is not due to configuration or hardware, but a bug of some sort.

Some things you may want to try to verify the above are:

1.) Look in System Properties --> Computer Name
2.) Look in Network Properties --> TCP/IP
3.) Look in Network Properties
4.) Look in Network Properties
5.) From the computer that can see both itself and the other, Start -> Run -> Type cmd . Then type ping name_of_other_pc in the prompt window. (name_of_pc will be the name of your other PC, obviously. You may also use the IP address) If you get a reply, we know it is not a firewall/connectivity issue. If you recieve time outs or other errors, then we know where to look.